loving cup

Summary

Bell-shaped loving cup with curved base on spreading foot and flared rim, strap-loop handles with relief-moulded acanthus terminals on either side. White earthenware painted in high temperature underglaze colours, with inscription 'Mary Routh / 1803' in yellow ochre above leafy stems on one side, stylised floral spray on the other. Undulating border of diamond diaper panels in blue and ochre beneath rim, inside rim decorated with border of ochre and brown buds between blue dashes. Foot detailed in blue and ochre bands, handles picked out with blue husks. Very finely crazed pearlware glaze.